MRS. 300

As Christie Rampone closes in on 300 caps – she will be just the second player in world history to achieve that feat following former teammate Kristine Lilly – the U.S. captain reflects on a remarkable career that has been quietly distinguished by selflessness and team play.

WNTby Christie Rampone on Oct 24, 2014

I am proud to have been able to play so many games for my country but, I've never been one who likes attention. More than any number of caps, I’m proud to have been able to play so long because of the experiences I've had in the game and the fact that I've been able to keep learning along the way on this amazing journey. Since I played my first game for the National Team in 1997, I've grown tremendously as a person, as a mom, and as a player. Even approaching 300 caps, I’m still learning about the game. I’m playing for my fifth head coach and I’m glad to be able to embrace change.

People often ask me to look back over all these caps, but I’m a person who likes to look forward. You can always think back and say ‘I wish I was this fit or this confident 10 years ago,’ but you learn from those experiences and move forward; that’s part of being successful. I will say, sometimes when I have a bad game, I stop and think, ‘I have almost 300 caps, how could I have a bad game!’ That’s soccer – nothing is given, everything is earned.

My family will likely be at my 300th cap, and my oldest daughter Rylie is starting to understand what I've done in my career, although she probably has no idea what a cap is. She knows about the big events, the World Cups and the Olympics, and all the players she’s been able to hang out with and places she’s gone. Someday, I’ll try to explain to her how I've gotten to this point in my career.

I do have vivid memories of my first game. It was against Australia in Melbourne. My emotions were typical me back then: stressed and uncomfortable. You know you have the ability in you, but the stressful part is can you bring it out at the right times? That’s the biggest thing. The confidence I have now, that’s part of building yourself and becoming the player you are. In that first few years on the National Team, I definitely learned a lot through my mistakes. But that prepared me for the big stage as failure really did turn into success.

People always ask me how I've been able to play so many games. Truthfully, a lot of it is that I've been blessed with great genetics. After that, it’s all about the process. Everyone on this team works really hard, but it comes down to what you are able to overcome, both mentally and physically. You have to learn how to push your body, when to push, and of course work through good and bad days. It’s just extra special to be playing at a high level at this point in my career because of the sacrifices, the amount of hours and the days of dedication. You've really got to commit to being the best you can for the team.

I started a lot of games in my first three years on the National Team, but in 2000 I felt like I had finally earned the jersey and earned the right to be in the starting lineup. I never played for any of our Youth National Teams, so I really had to come in and keep proving myself. That’s something I’m most proud of. Every day, every year and every game, I feel like I have to keep proving myself to the coaches and players over and over again. I think that has helped me in being a leader because you’ve earned the respect over so many years and that gives you confidence.

The way I was brought up, playing a bunch of sports and always competing, I just had a good grasp of when I was playing well and when I wasn’t. I learned how to fight through adversity on my own and not look to anyone else to solve my problems. I had many coaches over many sports who taught me to take criticism as well as praise. Even when I got negative feedback, it never took away my confidence, it just made me want to fight harder. At the end of the day, I truly know how I’m playing and I’m very in tune with my state of mind. That helps in pressure situations and when things aren’t going so well.

Part of my story that people may or may not know is that I played forward my entire life until I got to the National Team. But, I feel the whole process of becoming a defender at this level actually fit my personality perfectly. I feel like I’m a giver and work well with others and those are qualities you that helped me excel as a defender, along with my God-given gifts of having some speed and tenacity and toughness.

As I look back early in my career, one of my biggest inspirations was Kristine Lilly, who was a player that always gave a complete effort every time on the field, in training or a game. I love what she represented: the competitive edge accompanied by a light-hearted spirit. She left everything on the field, she was always fit, and there were no excuses, no complaints. She just really enjoyed the process of becoming a better player and the game of soccer.

Those are some of the reasons it’s such an honor to be beside her in such an exclusive club. In looking up to her and following in her footsteps, she represents everything I wanted to be.

That said, all the players I’ve played with have all touched me, inspired me and added to my game. Each and every person I’ve crossed paths with, whether they stayed with the team for a week or 200 caps, you can only keep moving forward if you keep taking positive things from each player to help you grow as a person and on the field.

I’m not one to be in the spotlight. I want to fulfill my role to the best of my ability. That’s why I chose team sports. I’ve always know that what really matter is the team. Team comes first and that’s how a group of individuals can achieve great things. The acknowledgement of 300 caps is nice, but it’s more than just a number, it’s a representation of how much I’ve put into the game and all the players I’ve played with over the years.

I know I am toward the end of my soccer journey, but I am really looking forward to it. This World Cup could be my last major tournament so I am going to enjoy every step and be positive and focused so we can be in the right place at the right time next summer.

Looking back on my career, I’ve never taken anything for granted. I never will. Every time I put on the U.S. jersey, I will do so with tremendous pride, from cap number one to cap number 300, and for however many I am privileged to earn after that.

Chester, PA - October 24, 2014: The USWNT defeated Mexico 3-0 during the semifinals of the CONCACAF Women's Championship at PPL Park.

25 May 09: The US Women's National Team playing against The Canadian Women's National Team at BMO Field in Toronto during an international friendly soccer match.The US won 4-0.
Photo by Nick Turchiaro/isiphotos.com.

Nilla Fischer, Christie Rampone. The USWNT defeated Sweden, 3-0.

Christie Rampone
USA Women head shots.

Christie Rampone. The USWNT tied New Zealand, 1-1, at an international friendly at Crew Stadium in Columbus, OH.

during an international friendly between the national teams of the USA and Mexico at Gillette Stadium, Foxbourgh, MA, on April 14, 2007.

Christie Rampone (3) of the USWNT takes a photo with fans after the game during the game at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. The USWNT defeated Scotland, 4-1.

Christie Rampone, Fans. The USWNT held a public training at Crew Stadium in Columbus, OH.

The women's national team of the United States defeated Canada 6-0 during an international friendly at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D. C., on May 10, 2008.

The locker of Christie Rampone (3) of the United States (USA) prior to an international friendly against Germany (GER) at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT, on October 23, 2012.

The women's national team of the United States (USA) defeated the Republic of Ireland (IRL) during an international friendly at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on September 17, 2008. Photo by Howard C. Smith/isiphotos.com

Woman of the match, Christie Rampone (United States, gold). The United States defeated Norway, 1-0, in Rentschler Stadium, July 14, 2007.

Melissa Tancredi, Christie Rampone. The U.S. defeated Canada, 4-0, during the Four Nations Tournament in Guangzhou, China.

Washington, DC - October 19, 2014: The USWNT prepared for their CONCACAF Women's Championship game at Shaw Field on the campus of Georgetown University.

Christine Rampone (3) of the USWNT goes up for a header against Wang Yihang (9) of China during an international friendly at PPL Park in Chester, PA. The U.S. tied China, 1-1.

Carli Lloyd, Christie Rampone. The USWNT practice at WakeMed Soccer Park in preparation for their game with Japan.

Christie Rampone. The USWNT defeated Brazil, 4-1, at an international friendly at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, FL.

USWNT captain Christie Rampone shows she is happy with her effort during a team competition at practice for the Algarve Cup in Albufeira, Portugal.

Christie Rampone, USA vs China, 2004.

Cary, NC - August 20, 2014: The USWNT defeated Switzerland 4-1 during an international friendly at WakeMed Soccer Park.

Christie Rampone (3) of the United States (USA) is introduced prior to playing China PR (CHN). The United States (USA) women defeated China PR (CHN) 4-1 during an international friendly at PPL Park in Chester, PA, on May 27, 2012.

USA captain Christie Rampone as the teams enter the field for introductions. The U.S. defeated Finland, 4-1 during the Four Nations Tournament in Guangzhou, China on January 18, 2008.

Cary, NC - August 19, 2014: The USWNT practices before their friendly with Switzerland at WakeMed Soccer Park.

Christie Rampone. The USWNT defeated China, 1-0, during the Four Nations Tournament in Guangzhou, China. The win secured the USA's overall victory in the tournament.

Tampa, FL - June 14, 2014: The USWNT defeated France 1-0 during an international friendly at Raymond James Stadium.

United States (USA) defender Christie Rampone (3) and defender Whitney Engen (14) during warmups. The women's national team of the United States defeated the Korea Republic 5-0 during an international friendly at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ, on June 20, 2013.

Oct 31, 2006: Cheonan, South Korea: USWNT player Christie Rampone (3) jumps over the tackle of Australian player Joanne Burgess (20) at Cheonan Stadium. The US defeated Australia, 2-0.

USWNT defender (3) Christie Rampone takes the ball away from Australia's (11) Lisa DeVanna during the Peace Queen Cup in Suwon, South Korea. The U.S. defeated Australia, 2-1, at the Suwon Sports Complex.

USWNT captain Christie Rampone talks with teammate Natasha Kai and Shannon Boxx while touring the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. The team will spend a few days in the capital before moving to Qinhuangdao for their first two group games of the 2008 Olympics.

USWNT captain (3) Christie Rampone goes up for a header against New Zealand forward (15) Emma Kete while playing at Wulihe Stadium. The USWNT defeated New Zealand, 4-0, during the 2008 Beijing Olympics in Shenyang, China. With the win, the USWNT won group G and advanced to the semifinals.

USA defender (3) Christie Rampone during warmups. Brazil (BRA) defeated the United States (USA) 4-0 during the FIFA Women's World Cup China 2007 at Hangzhou Dragon Stadium in Hangzhou, China, on September 27, 2007. Brazil advances to the finals, while the United States will play in the third place game on September 30th.

USWNT defender (3) Christie Rampone heads the ball away from China forward (9) Han Duan during the Four Nations Tournament in Guangzhou, China. The U.S. defeated China, 1-0, to win the tournament.

The women's national team of the United States defeated Canada 6-0 during an international friendly at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D. C., on May 10, 2008.

USWNT captain Christie Rampone salutes the crowd after the finals of the Peace Queen Cup. The USWNT defeated Canada, 1-0, at Suwon World Cup Stadium in Suwon, South Korea.

Christie Rampone battles for the ball during the USA vs Mexico's Group A 2008 CONCACAF Olympic Womenâs Qualifying Tournament in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, April 6, 2008.

USA defender (3) Christie Rampone collides with North Korea foward (17) Kim Yong Ae. The United States (USA) and North Korea (PRK) played to a 2-2 tie during a FIFA Women's World Cup China 2007 opening round Group B match at Chengdu Sports Center Stadium, Chengdu, China, on September 11, 2007.

USAÂ´s Christie Rampone celebrates with the trophy after the final match of the Algarve WomenÂ´s Soccer Cup 2008 at VRS Antonio Stadium, Algarve. March 12, 2008. Paulo Cordeiro/isiphotos.com

The women's national team of the USA defeated Brazil 2-0 during an international friendly at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ, on June 23, 2007.

Christie Rampone. The USWNT defeated Brazil, 1-0, to win the gold medal during the 2008 Beijing Olympics at Workers' Stadium in Beijing, China.

during an international friendly between the national teams of the USA and Mexico at Gillette Stadium, Foxbourgh, MA, on April 14, 2007.

Christie Rampone. The USWNT defeated Brazil, 1-0, to win the gold medal during the 2008 Beijing Olympics at Workers' Stadium in Beijing, China.

Christie Rampone of the USA. The United States defeated China 1-0 during the finals of the Four Nations Tournament in Guangzhou, China on January 20, 2008.

Christie Rampone. The USWNT defeated Canada in extra time, 2-1, during the 2008 Beijing Olympics in Shanghai, China.

Christie Rampone, media. The USWNT defeated Brazil, 4-1, at an international friendly at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, FL.

USWNT captain (3) Christie Rampone is tackled by Canadian midfielder (16) Jonelle Filigno while playing at Shanghai Stadium. The US defeated Canada, 2-1, in extra time and advanced to the semifinals during the 2008 Beijing Olympics in Shanghai, China.

USAÂ´s Christie Rampone celebrates with the trophy after the final match of the Algarve WomenÂ´s Soccer Cup 2008 at VRS Antonio Stadium, Algarve. March 12, 2008. Paulo Cordeiro/isiphotos.com

Christie Rampone. The USWNT defeated Brazil, 1-0, to win the gold medal during the 2008 Beijing Olympics at Workers' Stadium in Beijing, China.

Christie Rampone. The USWNT defeated Canada in extra time, 2-1, during the 2008 Beijing Olympics in Shanghai, China.

MAR 13, 2006: Faro, Portugal: Christie Rampone

North Korea (8) Kil Son Hui and Christie Rampone (3) of the USA. The United States (USA) and North Korea (PRK) played to a 2-2 tie during a FIFA Women's World Cup China 2007 opening round Group B match at Chengdu Sports Center Stadium, Chengdu, China, on September 11, 2007.

during an international friendly between the women's national teams of the United States and Canada at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D. C., on May 10, 2008.

USAÂ´s Christie Rampone celebrates with the trophy after the final match of the Algarve WomenÂ´s Soccer Cup 2008 at VRS Antonio Stadium, Algarve. March 12, 2008. Paulo Cordeiro/isiphotos.com

USWNT captain Christie Rampone holds the tournament trophy after the finals of the Peace Queen Cup. The USWNT defeated Canada, 1-0, at Suwon World Cup Stadium in Suwon, South Korea.

Christie Rampone. The USWNT defeated New Zealand, 4-0, during the 2008 Beijing Olympics in Shenyang, China. With the win, the USWNT won group G and advanced to the semifinals.

USA defender (3) Christie Rampone speaks to the media during a press conference at the team hotel in Tianjin, China on September 21, 2007.

USA defender (3) Christie Rampone and North Korea (17) Kim Yong Ae. The United States (USA) and North Korea (PRK) played to a 2-2 tie during a FIFA Women's World Cup China 2007 opening round Group B match at Chengdu Sports Center Stadium, Chengdu, China, on September 11, 2007.

Christie Rampone, Karina Maruyama. Japan won the FIFA Women's World Cup on penalty kicks after tying the United States, 2-2, in extra time at FIFA Women's World Cup Stadium in Frankfurt Germany.

United States (USA) defender Christie Rampone (3) and Korea Republic (KOR) defender Shim Seoyeon (4) shake hands prior to the start of the match. The women's national team of the United States defeated the Korea Republic 5-0 during an international friendly at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ, on June 20, 2013.

USWNT captain (3) Christie Rampone celebrates after playing for the gold medal at Workers' Stadium. The USWNT defeated Brazil, 1-0, during the 2008 Beijing Olympic final in Beijing, China.

USAÂ´s Christie Rampone celebrates with the trophy after the final match of the Algarve WomenÂ´s Soccer Cup 2008 at VRS Antonio Stadium, Algarve. March 12, 2008. Paulo Cordeiro/isiphotos.com

Christie Rampone, Natasha Kai. The USWNT defeated Canada in extra time, 2-1, during the 2008 Beijing Olympics in Shanghai, China.

The "Jersey Girls" United States (USA) midfielders Heather O'Reilly (9), Carli Lloyd (10), Yael Averbuch (16), goalkeeper Jill Loyden (21), defender Christie Rampone (3), and midfielder Tobin Heath (17) pose for a photo after the match. The women's national team of the United States defeated the Korea Republic 5-0 during an international friendly at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ, on June 20, 2013.

Cary, NC - August 20, 2014: The USWNT defeated Switzerland 4-1 during an international friendly at WakeMed Soccer Park.

Christie Rampone, Jill Ellis. The USWNT defeated Japan, 4-2, during the semi-finals of the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.

Christie Rampone, Maribel Dominguez. The USWNT defeated Mexico, 1-0, during the game at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ.

Christie Rampone. The USWNT defeated Brazil, 1-0, to win the gold medal during the 2008 Beijing Olympics at Workers' Stadium in Beijing, China.

Christie Rampone. The USWNT defeated Canada in extra time, 2-1, during the 2008 Beijing Olympics in Shanghai, China.

MAR 11, 2006: Quarteira, Portugal: USWNT defender Christie Rampone

Raleigh, NC - August 19, 2014: USWNT headshots

USA defender (3) Christie Rampone during pre-game warmups. The United States (USA) and North Korea (PRK) played to a 2-2 tie during a FIFA Women's World Cup China 2007 opening round Group B match at Chengdu Sports Center Stadium, Chengdu, China, on September 11, 2007.

USAÂ´s Christie RamponeÂ´s child celebrates with the trophy after the final match of the Algarve WomenÂ´s Soccer Cup 2008 at VRS Antonio Stadium, Algarve. March 12, 2008. Paulo Cordeiro/isiphotos.com

USAÂ´s Christie Rampone celebrates with the trophy after the final match of the Algarve WomenÂ´s Soccer Cup 2008 at VRS Antonio Stadium, Algarve. March 12, 2008. Paulo Cordeiro/isiphotos.com

The women's national team of the United States defeated Canada 6-0 during an international friendly at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D. C., on May 10, 2008.

USA defender (3) Christie Rampone during pre-game warmups. The United States (USA) and North Korea (PRK) played to a 2-2 tie during a FIFA Women's World Cup China 2007 opening round Group B match at Chengdu Sports Center Stadium, Chengdu, China, on September 11, 2007.

USAÂ´s Christie Rampone celebrates with the trophy after the final match of the Algarve WomenÂ´s Soccer Cup 2008 at VRS Antonio Stadium, Algarve. March 12, 2008. Paulo Cordeiro/isiphotos.com

Tampa, FL - June 14, 2014: The USWNT defeated France 1-0 during an international friendly at Raymond James Stadium.

USWNT captain Christie Rampone and teammate Kate Markgraf wait for the medal presentation after playing for the gold medal at Workers' Stadium. The USWNT defeated Brazil, 1-0, during the 2008 Beijing Olympics women's soccer final in Beijing, China.

USWNT captain (3) Christie Rampone goes up for a header against Japanese captain (10) Homare Sawa while playing at Worker's Stadium. The USWNT defeated Japan, 4-2, during the semi-finals of the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.

25 May 09: The US Women's National Team playing against The Canadian Women's National Team at BMO Field in Toronto during an international friendly soccer match.The US won 4-0.
Photo by Nick Turchiaro/isiphotos.com.

Washington, DC - October 20, 2014: The USWNT defeated Haiti 6-0 during the final group game of the CONCACAF Women's Championship at RFK Stadium.

USA starting eleven team prior to the USA's 3-1 win vs Mexico in Group A of the 2008 CONCACAF Olympic Womenâs Qualifying Tournament in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, April 6, 2008.

USWNT defenders Christie Rampone and Rachel Buehler go up for a header against Swedish captain (11) Victoria Svensson during the Algarve Cup final at the Estadio Algarve in Faro, Portual. The USWNT lost to Sweden on penalty kicks after it was tied in regulation at 1-1.

United States (USA) defender Christie Rampone (3) salutes the fans after the game. The women's national team of the United States defeated the Korea Republic 5-0 during an international friendly at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ, on June 20, 2013.

USWNT captain (3) Christie Rampone poses with her daughter, Rylie and the tournament trophy after the finals of the Peace Queen Cup. The USWNT defeated Canada, 1-0, at Suwon World Cup Stadium in Suwon, South Korea.

USWNT captain (3) Christie Rampone celebrates after playing for the gold medal at Workers' Stadium. The USWNT defeated Brazil, 1-0, during the 2008 Beijing Olympics women's soccer final in Beijing, China.

Pia Sundhage, Christie Rampone. Japan won the FIFA Women's World Cup on penalty kicks after tying the United States, 2-2, in extra time at FIFA Women's World Cup Stadium in Frankfurt Germany.

Cary, NC - August 20, 2014: The USWNT defeated Switzerland 4-1 during an international friendly at WakeMed Soccer Park.

Christie Rampone, Christine Sinclair. The USWNT defeated Canada in extra time, 2-1, during the 2008 Beijing Olympics in Shanghai, China.

Christie Rampone. The U.S. defeated Finland, 4-1 during the Four Nations Tournament in Guangzhou, China.

Christie Rampone. The USWNT practiced at Beijing Normal University in Beijing, China. The team will now move to Qinhuangdao to prepare for their first two group games of the 2008 Olympics.

MAR 11, 2006: Quarteira, Portugal: USWNT defender Christie Rampone

USA defender (3) Christie Rampone speaks to the media during a press conference at the team hotel in Tianjin, China on September 21, 2007.

Touching tributes poured in on social media from all corners of the soccer community as news spread that Hall of Fame coach Sigi Schmid had passed away on Christmas Day 2018. And amid the sadness shared by so many who knew him, the messages also provided the rest of us a glimpse into the kind of man that Sigi was, and reminded everyone of the influence Sigi had on the American soccer landscape.

For newer fans of the game, Sigi will be remembered as one of the greatest of MLS coaches, leading the Columbus Crew, Seattle Sounders and LA Galaxy to multiple trophies each. Older fans may recall the soccer factory he created while coaching UCLA to numerous NCAA Championships in the 1980 and ‘90s, churning out future U.S. Soccer legends like Cobi Jones, Brad Friedel, Paul Caligiuri, Joe Max-Moore, Frankie Hejduk, Eddie Lewis and Chris Henderson, among others.

It’s also important to highlight the impact he had with two teams he coached for shorter time frames: the U.S. U-20 MNTs that participated in the 1999 and 2005 FIFA U-20 World Youth Championships, each time advancing to the knockout stage while facing the likes of Argentina, England, Germany, Spain and Italy.

Seven players from those U-20 teams would go on to represent the MNT at senior FIFA World Cups, while many others also had solid pro careers. And if not for Schmid, we may never have known some of those players. We caught up with a few from each team:

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1999 FIFA U-20 World Cup Championship:

While at UCLA, Sigi also assisted the MNT at 1994 FIFA World Cup and coached the following year’s Pan-American Games. In 1997, he was also coaching the U-18 MNT when he went to scout a player who had just played in the U-17 FIFA World Youth Championship and was playing for his high school in Southern California. However, as Carlos Bocanegra tells it, there was a mistake on the published schedule and the team that Sigi went to see was not playing. Sigi stuck around anyway, and watched the promising football wide receiver, Bocanegra, play soccer for his Alta Loma High School.

“I think about that all the time,” the two-time World Cup veteran Bocanegra told ussoccer.com this week. “That was my break. That was my chance. He gave me the opportunity and I was able to take that opportunity. That’s how I was able to kick-start my soccer career – pure coincidence that he was watching my game that got mixed up and he saw me play.”

Schmid invited Bocanegra, a junior at the time, to a U-18 camp. The next year he continued his pursuit of the talented defender and recruited Bocanegra to join him at UCLA. Their bond strengthened when Schmid took over the U-20 MNT and made Bocanegra a key member of the USA’s 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship side in Nigeria.

That team also included fellow future senior World Cup players Tim Howard, Steve Cherundolo, Nick Rimando and Chris Albright, as well as long-time pros Danny Califf, Nick Garcia, Cory Gibbs, John Thorrington and Taylor Twellman, who became one of the most prolific American goalscorers in the pro ranks.

“That World Cup, playing with Sigi, had a massive impact on me and ultimately convinced me that I needed to go pro,” said Twellman, who at the time was also contemplating if his future would be in baseball, where he also excelled.

At the tournament, the USA defeated an England side that featured Ashley Cole and Peter Crouch, fell to Shinji Ono’s Japan, and defeated Cameroon in group play before falling by a score of 3-2 in the Round of 16 to eventual champions Spain that included Iker Casillas and Xavi.

In the lead up to that tournament, Sigi broke from the past and brought the team overseas for training, including to Morocco for two games and on a two-week fitness camp in Germany, where the team stayed at a bed-and-breakfast.

Bocanegra in action vs. Argentina in 2003, a few short years after graduating from Schmid's tutelage.

“He really tried to give us good experiences that he thought would help us later in our career,” said Bocanegra. “He always tried to set trips up around where we could watch games at a higher level and get experiences to challenge ourselves in different ways than was maybe common practice. He always wanted the best for the group and to give us the best experiences to try to better ourselves, not only on the field but in life and to become well-rounded in the game.”

As a reward for the hard work in Germany, Sigi brought the U20s to France to attend the 1998 World Cup match between the USA and Germany.

“Sigi had such a feel for the game of soccer, domestically and globally,” said Chris Albright. “He always communicated that we were putting on our nations colors and flag, representing the country. He drilled that in us that this was not to take it for granted, that it was not to be taken lightly.”

Like Bocanegra, Sigi introduced Albright to the National Team scene. Later he helped pick him up when things were not going well at D.C., trading for him in LA. At the suggestion of then MNT coach Bruce Arena, Sigi helped convert Albright from a forward into a defender, a move that later landed Chris on the 2006 World Cup team.

“He had an excellent ability to teach multiple positions; he could make me a better forward, wide midfielder, defender,” Albright said. “He could teach principles of different positions to help each player grow, and that teaching element in developing us at that time was unique.”

Twellman scored four goals in the tournament, good for third overall, thus becoming the first American to capture a scoring award (Bronze Boot) in a FIFA World Youth Championship.

Twellman accepts the Bronze Boot alongside then U.S. Soccer president Dr. Robert S. Contiguglia.

“When people talk about Sigi, they talk about his love of the game,” Twellman said, who a few months later would leave Maryland to sign with 1860 Munich in Germany. “But he was also a gentleman and was kind off the field. Every single one of us on that team, if we saw Sigi 3-4-5-10 years down the road…he always watched our games, even when he was not our coach. He was always willing to talk to us, showed interested in us, asked us about our lives.”

Now the Technical Director of MLS Cup champion Atlanta United, Bocanegra draws from those early experiences under Schmid.

“Even though we were young, he really tried to instill the professionalism in us,” Bocanegra said. “The detail, structure, organization – challenging us. He always made time to make people feel important. He never stopped, through college, through pros, was always available. He was pretty special.”

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2005 Under-20 World Youth Championship

A week after that 1999 U-20 tournament came to an end for the USA, Sigi also began his pro career, taking the helm of his hometown LA Galaxy for the next five seasons.

He returned to coach the U-20 MNT in October 2014, having only a couple months to scout and prep players for January’s U-20 Concacaf Championship.

Two years earlier, Schmid’s Galaxy had eliminated Kansas City and veteran National Team player Peter Vermes from the MLS Cup Playoffs. After the game, Vermes recalled this week, Schmid approached him and told him he’d like to have him on his staff one day.

Fast-forward to fall 2014, a since-retired Vermes called Sigi and reminded him of that conversation. Schmid held true and invited Vermes to a three-week U-20 camp. After a week of evaluating, Schmid told Vermes he had earned one of the assistant coach positions.

“It was a great opportunity for me just to be around somebody like him with as much knowledge and experience that he had,” Vermes said, who enters the 2019 season as the longest tenured MLS coach, having taken the reigns of Sporting KC in 2009. “I already knew I wanted to coach for a long time, but what those experiences give you is like anything – when you first want to do something, you’re excited, you’re ambitious, you’re motivated, you’re all those things. But sometimes you lack the confidence. For me, Sigi gave me a direction that I felt comfortable with because I had gotten a chance to see a lot of different things that I wouldn’t have if I didn’t get that chance to be with him and spend all that time, and the preparation, and everything. It was a great experience.”

Schmid’s first friendly was in November in Ft. Lauderdale. Due to College Cup, some would-be regulars were not available, so Schmid called in four new players, including UCLA speedster Marvell Wynne, who had never been called to any YNT camp before.

“I think I should have been more in the moment with everything that happened,” Wynne admits. “When I got called in I remember thinking ‘these guys are way better than me.’ But Sigi kept calling me back. When he said I made the team, I was definitely shocked.”

Wynne and Feilhaber were instrumental in helping the USA qualify for the

2005 FIFA U-20 World Youth Championship three weeks later.

Let’s back up for a second. Sigi’s sons also played college soccer in the LA area around that era. And, family man that he was, he would always attend their games, first Kurt’s at UCLA, and later Kyle’s at UC-Irvine.

“It’s what jump-started my entire career,” said newly retired 12-year pro Brad Evans. “The only reason I made that U-20 team is because Kyle Schmid transferred to UC Irvine. Without Kyle transferring there was absolutely no reason for Sigi to come watch UCI play.”

Schmid had spotted Evans that fall at UCI, but it wasn’t until after the U-20s had qualified for the World Cup that he called in the versatile player to his first National Team camp at any level.

Vermes explained how Sigi gave the preliminary roster to rest of the coaching staff and told them that they could each make a case for one player to either be replaced or be added.

“A lot of guys in that position would never consult the rest of staff,” Vermes said. “I thought that showed a lot of security and confidence on his part, to know what his decisions were but also want to know what his staff’s decisions were, and ultimately to make the best decision. There’s no doubt that that has helped me, and I would say that a lot of the players that were identified are players that are still playing or who had great careers because they were identified correctly.”

Wynne, Feilhaber and Evans were on the final 21-player roster, along with Jonathan Spector, Sacha Kljestan, Lee Nguyen, Freddy Adu, Chad Barret and Eddie Gaven, among others who also had solid pro careers.

The team shocked the world in the tournament opener, defeating Argentina 1-0 thanks to a Barrett goal assisted by Wynne. It would be the only loss and shutout suffered by the South Americans, who won their next six matches en route the lifting the championship trophy with future international stars Sergio Aguero, Lucas Biglia, Pablo Zabaleta, Fernando Gago and Golden Ball and Golden Boot winner, Lionel Messi.

Chad Barrett, who would go on to play professionally under Schmid in MLS, scored the game-winner vs. Argentina at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship.

The 20s then played Germany to a scoreless draw and defeated Egypt 1-0 before losing 3-1 to Italy in the Round of 16. The experience and exposure provided opportunities to a number of players.

Feilhaber would soon sign with Hamburg, and later would score one of the best goals of the USA’s rivalry against Mexico, helping the MNT win the 2007 Gold Cup. And despite interest from international clubs, Wynne and Evans returned to school. Wynne became the top pick in the next MLS SuperDraft and Evans was selected 15th overall the following year by Columbus’s new coach, Sigi Schmid.

“He means more than I can really describe,” Feilhaber said, who along with Spector also made the 2010 FIFA World Cup roster. “Getting that opportunity with the 20s led to everything else in my life. I have no idea if I would have become a pro. I know I would not have been as successful financially, [and] going to Europe that early helped me immensely as a player. I don’t know if I would have ever played on the National Team let alone in a World Cup. I’m really grateful for Sigi having that keen eye and for giving me that opportunity.”

Sigi not only gave Evans his international debut and professional debut but would also bring him to Seattle on their way to spending 10 pro seasons together.

“He was the pivot for me in my entire career,” Evans said. “You have youth coaches, parents, but if you want to talk about the person who I’m able to talk about 12 years later and say I played professionally because of them…yes, it comes from within, but you have to have someone who pushes you and really believed in you, and Sigi was the guy for me.”

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REFLECTIONS:

Sigi’s memorial took place on Friday, Jan. 18 in Los Angeles.

In March 2017, after more than 300 MLS games and having also represented the USA in the 2008 Olympics and 2009 Confederations Cup, Wynne’s career came to an end after undergoing a heart procedure.

When he came to from the operation, one of the first voicemails he listened to was from Sigi Schmid.

“Sigi was the reason I became a pro,” Wynne said. “He got me on to the scene, kept me there, had confidence in me and he kept me going. In terms of coaching, it was more, ‘get the basics right and perfect them.’ He was the first one to hammer that home, and if you ever saw my career, it was basic.”

A reflective Wynne made a special trip to an LA Galaxy game last year to meet up with his former coach.

“We talked about my heart situation, and caught up about everything,” Wynne said. “And I told him, ‘you’re the reason I went pro.’ I was able to tell him face to face, but I hoped he knew.”

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“Yea, the opportunity, experience and all those other things were great, but the best thing for me, to be honest, was that he and I became friends after that 2005 Youth Championship,” Vermes said. “We always, always talked and kept in touch and spent time with each other. We had a very good relationship.”

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“I sense that he knew what he meant to me,” Feilhaber said. “The way that we spoke was not in a way that most coaches to ex-players do. We were friends - he understood how much of an influence he had on me. We had respect for each other, and I’m going to miss him a lot, but it’s so important to have these memories about him.”

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“We talk about a coaching tree a lot, but Sigi’s got the player tree, the coaching tree, the soccer tree really,” Bocanegra said. “So many people spiraled off the opportunities he gave them. Through soccer he gave so many people their start. But the biggest part that everybody remembers is that he cared about each and every person. He wanted to get the best out of them, and did not give up. He would give second chances, third chances - if you were his guys, and you worked for him he was going to his damndest to get the best out of you and make you a better player or person in general.”

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“When I think back on it, especially the last couple of weeks, we always talked about getting the ‘Sigi shirt-tug,’” Evans reminisced. “Once he got a hold of your shirt and put his arm around you, there was no getting away from it. But I remember him being very honest with me in everything. He never blew smoke up my tail or thought that I was better or worse than I was. He always believed in me. We really trusted each other when it came to soccer and had an unspoken relationship that just worked. It’s something that I’ll cherish and remember forever.”